Parma woman thought she wanted a dog until she met Benny, the tuxedo cat: People and their pets

Posted November 21, 2014 at 8:06 AM

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Amanda Blackwell and her cat, Benny, enjoy life at their Parma home. Blackwell wasn't certain she wanted a cat but changed her mind when she visited a pet store featuring cats and kittens from a local animal rescue group.

PARMA, Ohio -- I moved to Chandler, Ariz. in September 2007 and missed our family dog, Harriet, a Yorkie Poo. In May 2008, a friend of mine suggested that I could adopt a cat. I remember saying, "I grew up with dogs!"

One day, I went to a pet supplies store that had adoptable cats and kittens from a Chandler animal rescue. I knew that many cats and kittens were overlooked for reasons, such as the color of their fur. I spotted Benny, a 3-month-old black-and-white tuxedo kitten. I asked to see him, and we went into an adoption room.

Benny was cute and a bit mischievous – I liked that about him. I adopted Benny; it's been six years. He's attached to me and cries whenever I go out.

Benny will cuddle next to me and sit on my lap or desk when I write. He's even the star of his own children's picture book series, "Benny, the Tuxedo Cat." His story shows children and parents the rewards of adopting a pet, most importantly, a less adoptable one.

-- Amandah Blackwell

-- Parma

That's Benny's story. Now pay tribute to your animal companion. Send information and a photo of the two of you to Linda Kinsey at lkinsey@cleveland.com.